Need adivse: Had my first AI at home

ang3lDus7 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-14-2006, 04:42 PM

I had my first donor experience just this past week ago and wondering if I could get any insight from any experienced women out there.

I had my period May 30th thru June 3rd (5 days). Took prescribed clomid on days 1-5 (5/30-6/3). Started testimg for ovulation on June 7th. I got a positive ovulation test on June 8th, 9th, and 10th. On the 11th the result line was lighter than the control line. I used fresh donor sperm within 2 minutes of ejaculation on June 8th, 10th, and 11th with pre-seed and instead cups for home insemination.

The only thing is that his first donation was more than the second two. The first sample was more watery and filled the whole syringe and the last two were more thicker and only about 2cc. Why is that?

Can anyone tell me what to expect, what I should have done different or when I should test for pregnancy. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

sweettulip · #2 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 02:19 AM

Hi there, I am currently in the tww of my third cycle of ttc at home also using fresh sperm! I think you couldn't really be doing much better at all! The dates of your insem seem perfect, your getting the sperm fresh as fresh (we insem after around 20mins after ejaculation)!!

I can't tell you much about the amounts but if you are getting enough to fill the syringe you're laughing girl!!!! What size syringe are you using? We usually only get in between 0.8-2.3mls worth of sperm, but I have learnt from other success stories in this forum that that is enough! We have noticed slight differences in what the semen actually looks like, when we get a smaller more watery looking donation it has usually been when our donor has been dehydrated over the few days before. Also the thickness you got the other times may have just been because you are getting the donation so quickly, after ejaculation semen is thick and clumpy but after a few minutes it begins to liquify, making it easier to draw up with the syringe!

How did you go with the instead cups? I have heard they can be quite trickey! But if I am not preggas this time I'm thinkijng about giving them a go next time!

Also did you sleep afterwards or remain lying down (hips elevated if desired) for a minimum 40mins? I have been told that helps so thats what I do. Also if you orgasm that helps too!!! Goodluck!! By the dates you gave you most likely ovulated on the 10th June, meaning we are tww buddies, I also ovulated then!!!!

theluvof2moms · #3 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 05:18 AM

Sorry i know nothing about home inseminations and fresh sperm...but I did just want to say GOOD LUCK!!!

ang3lDus7 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 07:46 AM

Thank you for all the good wishes and advise. I was just so scared that if we didn't insem within 2 minutes the sperm would die. As soon as he produced I was waiting in an elevated position so that my partner could insem. We used a 5ml syringe. The first donation was around 4.5 ml and the last to times it was around 1-1.5ml. As for the instead cups, we used them on the 2nd and 3rd insem. They are actually very simple to use and comfy to wear. We practiced a couple times before we used them. We also used pre-seed because it helps the sperm live longer. With the instead cups you can get right up because the sperm is being held up against your cervix and can't go anywhere. On the first try when we did not use the instead cups my hips were elevated and my partner insemiated. We didn't take the syringe out for ten minutes so that the sperm wouldn't come out. With the syringe still "in" we used a vibrator to stimulate an orgasm. After the ten minutes we took it out and every 15 min for an hour I turned to each side, on my back, then on my stomach and that was it. I did have a small crampy feeling in my abdomen about two days after the first insem. I'm not sure what that was though. I am so excited to find someone with the same ovualtion!!! Please stay in touch.

joanna · #5 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 07:52 AM

I don't really know much about home insems because I'm going high tech, lol. Anyways, I just wanted to say good luck and welcome. Sounds like your timing was right.

ang3lDus7 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 10:52 AM

I want to thank everyone for welcoming me and being so kind.

sweettulip · #7 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 06:06 PM

hi again!! Looks like you did all the necessary pre-organisation!! Much more organised than I was with my first try!! I think I will definately get the instead cups for next round (Hopefully that won't be needed)!!

Your method is very similar to ours (besides the instead cups), but I just make sure I remain lying down for 40-60mins, changing sides every 10-15 also! Man I hope this is both our times!! It would be great for it to work for you first try!

How long is your cycle? I have a 35 day cycle but I will be ablr to test next Wed as that is day 30. I usually start spotting on day 30 before AF arrives, so if no spotting I'll test then!! FINGERS CROSSED!! When are you able to test? We are about 6-dpo now depending on whether you count the day you ovulate on as day 1!

Zillions and trillions of babydust coming your way!! GOODLUCK, oh and have you started having any symptoms yet? I still have lower cramping on and off (but I think its psychsomatic)!!! And my BBs are sore but only to touch (like if I push a lil bit) or if I run!!

ang3lDus7 · #8 (**permalink**) 06-15-2006, 08:59 PM

My cycles are usually 31 days. I haven't had any major symptoms except for a light crampy feeling in my lower abdomen and some light gas, but I think it's all in my head. I'm afraid to test too early, but I will around the 24th of the month. When will you test and what type of test do you normally use?